KEY CONTENDERS TO KICK-OFF THE COCA-COLA JUNIOR CUP

THE Coca-Cola Junior Cup kicks off on Saturday for the first of two weekends of knockout football all across Northern Ireland, with teams dreaming of making it all the way to the final in May 2013.

No less than 210 teams will compete for this season’s Coca-Cola Junior Cup, with the tie of this round being Lisbellaw United v All Saints Old Boys.Current Cup holders Strathroy Harps begin their defence of the trophy at home to Ballymacash Rangers II on Saturday 22 September.

Robert Haworth, Chairman of the Junior Cup Committee, said: “The fact that over 200 teams have entered the Coca-Cola Junior Cup this season is evidence that this is one of the most prestigious cup competitions in our local game and one in which every team at this level looks forward to playing.I am sure that we are in for yet another fantastic season of the Junior Cup.”

Speaking on behalf of sponsor, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, Katie Hutchinson, Events Team Manager adds: "We are very proud to continue our sponsorship of the Coca-Cola Junior Cup. It is fantastic to see so many teams from across Northern Ireland taking part in this highly competitive competition and we look forward to what is sure to be an exciting season of football for the participants and spectators alike. We wish all the teams the very best of luck."